Thursday, January 11, 2018

I have heard from approx. 2,000 DES colleagues since my ouster the day before Thanksgiving 2016. The calls, messages, emails, letters, gifts and meetings continue to bless me in amazing ways. The daily exchanges with DES friends and partners highlight what we both know: Something truly special was in the works for 633 days at DES. Subsequently, I want to thank you again for the opportunity to serve and love so many Arizonans. I also want to share the following with you, some of your team members, and ultimately the thousands of good folks who support and love me.

Some Thoughts re. My Present and Future

1) My beloved family continues to hurt regarding the malicious lies, betrayals and injustices surrounding my forced resignation. Thankfully, it is finally clear to me they have suffered enough. Consequently, I have decided not to launch a personally-funded, “no holds barred” independent run for Arizona Governor in 2018.

2) Instead, I will focus on my private business ventures, numerous charitable causes, and projected investments in political action committees of my choosing.

Some Final Thoughts re. Our Shared Past

1) On Friday, 10/21/16, you shared Kirk Adams stated there would be Federal and State investigations of DES finances. I clearly remember passionately rejecting this abject lie. No surprisingly, the FBI and Arizona AG never showed up at DES because there was absolutely zero financial malfeasance. I hope you now clearly see the malicious slander leveled against me was vicious political treachery designed to destroy me and reward others’ corrupt deceit.

2) Per your specific direction, DES leveraged State Personnel Reform to “weed out the worst, and reduce the size and cost of government.” ADOA approved every termination because the DES HR chief was an ADOA employee even before I arrived at DES. Furthermore, DES did not have a No-Hire List. ADOA had a No-Hire List. DES had nothing to hide. ADOA was the one hiding.

3) The 8 former DES employees that the Arizona Republic deceitfully showcased as victim martyrs were all terminated legally. They were at-will employees. Several of them were terminated for causes they would not dare not release to the press. None of them returned to DES. The aggregate demographics of everyone terminated during my tenure aligned with DES employee demographics. There was absolutely, positively NO DISCRIMINATION at DES.

4) Based on a pre-existing DPS-DES agreement, I utilized state planes for state work just as other agency directors did and still do. No objection was ever offered by Henry Darwin. During my 19 to 20 flights, I traveled to every corner of Arizona, and visited every DES location and site. I held over 500 colleague townhall meetings, and met with over 400 community partners. Based on solid financial analysis, it cost significantly less to use air travel in some circumstances instead of spending endless hours burning precious time in a state gas-guzzling SUV.

5) It is a noble tradition in the high technology industry that executives always pay for this, that and the other thing. So, Mary Frances and I invested over $50,000 of our own money to celebrate, honor, love and care for scores of DES colleagues. We were especially blessed to aid several female DES colleagues in heart-wrenching circumstances.

6) DES Guns and Ammo: Please know my unflinching commitment to justice and fervent resolve to further clear my good name. I will not bow to state power, abuse, intimidation and money. Mary Frances and I have the financial resources to contest and vanquish the “guns and ammo” injustice all the way to court and any subsequent appeals. As my college football coach at Santa Clara University often said, “There is no back door at the Alamo.”

Governor, my passionate work, efforts and successes were in plain sight of the thousands who followed me, including you, your team, and the Arizona legislature. It was also in plain sight of the vulture press who ultimately reveled in ravaging me so publicly. I had no secrets. I stand by my overall body of work, including lessons learned. I was a good soldier and leader.

I truly wish you well, Governor. I share your desire to see Arizona thrive. I will keep you, your family, team and public service in my prayers. I look forward to crossing paths with you at the Child Help Gala this Saturday.